10-year-old dog with sudden (weird) fears

[Karen]

It's a good sign that there's not abnormal wear on them, that means she likely still has feeling in those paws, so it probably isn't DM. Maybe you can help her with her fear of turning that corner. Try putting her on a leash and walking her around the corner several times, and praise her when she does it normally. Something may have inadvertently spooked her about the spot, so now you have to work on her getting used to it again as a normal, safe spot! It's good you have a vet appointment scheduled, so they can check for any medical issues. The pacing at night will sometimes happen if an animal is uncomfortable, sure would be easier if they could talk and say "Mom, my tummy hurts" and the like.

[Freedom]

This sounds a bit like doggie dementia. Have you talked with her vet about these actions?

Especially the shuffling, not being able to navigate well, the "sundowning." I've just been through this with my Marlin.

Only a vet can make a ccd (canine cognitive disorder) diagnosis. There are things you can do for it, some help with one dog, some help with another dog. Sort of hit or miss. Anipryl = Selegiline is the medication the vet can prescribe. You can get it reasonably priced at Wedgewood Pharmacy, and it arrives at your door in 3 days. I got the oral suspension, chicken flavored, for Marlin, and just put it in some food in the morning. Marlin doesn't DO pills. So this was great for him.

I'd say start with a vet check. If the vet thinks it is appropriate, get a script for selegiline. The vet can order it at Wedgewood for you, just give the office the phone number for Wedgwood.
http://www.wedgewoodpetrx.com/items/...uspension.html

[marbles528]

Thanks for the info and advice She's still doing it in one hallway and has now started doing it in the other hallway to the master bedroom. If she's excited (playing), she'll move through pretty readily, but otherwise looks distressed and struggles with getting past those spots. Last night she also freaked out about a clothes basket that has been sitting against our bedroom wall for weeks (husband just tends to leave it there). Sigh!

We do have a vet appt for next week though, so we'll talk with him about it and see what he says.

[Freedom]

I did many of the things on this page, some worked, some worked for 2 or 3 days.
http://pathwithpaws.com/blog/2010/02...og-what-to-do/

Ask the vet also about Benadryl. The proper dose is based on your dog's weight. It will make her sleepy, I used it at 8 PM so I could get a good night's sleep. You make sure to buy the Benadryl allergy (not cold and sinus etc) and get caplets not capsules, so you can cut them to the proper dose you need.

[Cataholic]

I wonder if her sight is going.....how well lit are these areas that she is doing this not turning around? The clothes basket...is it casting a shadow or something?

[Asiel]

I was wondering if your dog had a rabies shot in the last few days? Asking because the symptoms seem to be exactly what one of our Shepherds went through 2 days after a rabies shot.
But it could be her back, the pain could be scaring her or even the lighting and her eyesight as was mentioned.
I hope things get better for her.

[wishbone]

Im sorry for your dogs situation, he have almost the same situation with my close friend's senior dog with dementia..